TWO generations of one family are taking part in one of a series of walks to raise funds for people suffering from dementia.
Memory Walks is Alzheimer Scotland’s biggest fundraising event of the year and walks will take place across the country to support more than 90,000 people living with the condition and their friends and family who are affected.
Brian Nixon, his wife Nicola and their daughters Erin, 11, Anna, 7 and five-year-old Ellie, from Paisley came together in Kelvingrove Park to highlight the campaign.
In September they will step out in memory of granddad Michael Connelly who has been diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Brian, 41, said: “When granddad was diagnosed it was a big shock to the whole family.
“I hadn’t heard of vascular dementia before and I had no real prior knowledge of dementia and what the symptoms wee.
“My two oldest girls were pretty close to their great granddad and still miss him and often ask about him.
“This autumn we will celebrate his life by taking part in our local Memory Walk to support others living with this condition.”
Memory Walks are suitable for all the family, no matter what age or ability, and take place across Scotland in September. The Glasgow walk covers 2.5miles and dogs are welcome.
In the past few years, the walks across Scotland have raised over £300,000 which helps to provide information and support in a bid to ensure nobody faces dementia alone.
Anna Devine of Alzheimer Scotland said: “We are all excited about our Memory Walks programme this year as it is certainly our most ambitious to date.
“We saw record breaking numbers join us last year to walk, share and celebrate the lives of family members affected by dementia and this year we hope to raise the bar to help us ensure more people receive the best possible support across Scotland’s communities.”
Registration costs £10 for adult walkers, £5 for 12 to 16-year-olds and under 12s walk for free. The charity is asking people who take part to raise £100 in sponsorship which would pay for a carer to attend a day’s course on dementia with their highly trained staff.
Visit www.memorywalksscotland.org to find out more and to register.
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